First Pooch

The Dog Days of Summer are filed with lots of speculation about what type of pup will occupy the Obama residence come late November, wherever that might be. As many of you might know, the presumed Democratic nominee made a promise to his daughters that when the race is over, regardless of the outcome, they can get a dog.

The AKC is so invested in the Obama family's decision that they have even created a survey to help the first time dog owners pick the right pooch. The Obama kids have allergies so the ballot is limited to hypoallergenic breeds but you can register your preference at www.presidentialpup.com before tomorrow when the poll closes.

Of course, choosing a pedigree pup comes with its own set of sub-narratives. Shouldn't the democratic Obamas select one from their local pound? What does it say about the "people's candidate" if he selects one from a high-brow breeder? And then what type should it be? The bichon-frise, a lovable bundle of white hypoallergenic ball of fluff, is after all French? The Portugese water dog, also non-shedding, is Portugese? You get my drift. Are there even any all- American hypo-allergenic breeds?

And if that dog should happen to one day inhabit the White House, well there are big paws to fill. Franklin Roosevelt's dog, Fala, had a Press Secretary and Millie, the Senior Bushs' springer spaniel who gave birth while in residence, even wrote a best seller. And of course, there was the legendary Checkers.

McCain it should be noted has four dogs which may be one of the reasons that an AP-Yahoo News poll in June found that pet owners favored the senator from Arizona over the one from Illinois, 42% to 37%.

Even more intriguing to me is not so much what type of dog the Obamas choose but who ultimately will take care of it. If the idea is to teach their children about responsibility, compassion and commitment, the Obamas would do well to make sure that their children do in fact take hold of the leash. Otherwise, I'm afraid the poor pup will get lost in the shuffle...

And if they ever want to try a breed or two out in this decision making phase, well, my three pups would be delighted to oblige. After all, Phoebe already thinks she lives in the White House....